Local utility and industries partner to achieve phosphorus reduction

Abstract

The cooperative efforts of the Pollution Prevention Assistance Division (P2AD), Dalton Utilities and Dalton businesses resulted in a 50% reduction in wastewater phosphorus levels, the avoidance of an estimated $30 million capital investment, and in the extension of the service life of Dalton Utilities’ land application system. In 2002, Dalton Utilities noted an increase of more than 100% in the phosphorus levels of its incoming wastewater. The utility discovered that additional treatment needed to lower phosphorus levels would require extensive capital investment and increased operating expenses. Instead of making costly upgrades or imposing strict limits, Dalton Utilities identified the facilities generating the highest levels of phosphorus and turned to P2AD for assistance. P2AD facilitated a meeting between these facilities and the utility. Initial trials carried out by participating facilities indicate that chemical substitution will dramatically reduce the levels of phosphorus, without significantly increasing production costs.